Boxing / News

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk takes spectacular repeat victory over Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk took a second consecutive victory over Anthony Joshua to defend his unified WBO, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles over the course of an epic 12-round battle.

Usyk triumphed on a split decision at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, taking it 116-112 and 115-113 respectively on the cards of Ukraine’s Viktor Fesechko and Britain’s Steve Gray. Glenn Feldman of the USA scored 115-113 for Joshua.

The result infuriated Joshua. He picked up two championship belts and threw them out of the ring before storming off briefly.

Joshua then returned to seize the microphone and vent his emotions in a passionate outburst.

“I’m stealing this Usyk, I’m sorry, but it’s because of the passion we put into this,” Joshua told the crowd during his two-minute speech.

Usyk holds three of the four major heavyweight belts. There is one missing from his collection. Tyson Fury, ostensibly retired, still holds the WBC title. That’s the only fight Usyk is interested in.

“I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet,” the champion said. “I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.

How champion Usyk rebuffed much-improved Joshua

Usyk did have to endure tremendous pressure from an implacable Joshua, who delivered a vastly-improved performance from their first fight in September.

Last year, after just two pro fights in the heavyweight division, Usyk outpointed Joshua in London in an outstanding performance. Formerly an undisputed champion down at cruiserweight, Usyk proved himself one of the best fighters pound-for-pound in the world today.

Joshua triggered an immediate rematch, determined to restore his place as a top-tier heavyweight. To that end he brought in a new trainer, Robert Garcia to join Angel Fernandez in his corner and devoted himself to rectifying the mistakes he made in the first fight.

Joshua had lost before meeting Usyk, but avenged his defeat against Andy Ruiz on his first visit to Saudi Arabia in 2019. He was fighting to become a three-time heavyweight champion and knew his legacy depended on victory tonight.

Both fighters were under …

Boxing / Sports

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua 2: Rematch set to take place in Saudi Arabia in August

The rematch between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk is finally set. The two will meet on Aug. 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with Usyk’s unified heavyweight titles on the line.

Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, moved to heavyweight in October 2019, beating Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora before facing off with Joshua this past September. Despite entering the fight as an underdog, Usyk thoroughly outboxed Joshua over 12 rounds to take the fight by scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113.

Joshua is a former Olympic gold medalist who tore through the pro ranks, winning two world titles while knocking out each of his first 20 pro opponents. In his 21st bout, Joshua beat Joseph Parker to win the WBO title, putting him in control of three of boxing’s four recognized world titles at heavyweight.

Then came a shocking upset knockout at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr. Joshua would defeat Ruiz in the rematch to regain his titles — coincidentally, that rematch also took place in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the clash could move on to pursue the WBC championship. That title is currently held by Tyson Fury, though Fury indicated his most recent win, a knockout of Dillian Whyte, would be his last fight as a professional boxer, leaving some mystery as to what would happen to the WBC title should Fury decide to actually hang up his gloves.…

Boxing / Sports

‘I want to live’: Oleksandr Usyk ready for time off after biggest fight

Heavyweight champion said his corner helped him execute his plan, while a pensive Anthony Joshua will analyze mistakes. The new champion walked in first, just after one in the morning, with his face bearing the brutal realities of heavyweight boxing. Despite his dominant defeat of Anthony Joshua on Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk wore the marks of battle. A jagged cut ran above his right brow while his bruised skin had turned a shade of burst violet below that same eye. The swollen mouse beneath his left eye was even more prominent and a reminder that Usyk had fought 12 rounds against a world champion who weighed 19 pounds more than him.

Usyk is not a small man but he also gave away four inches in reach and three inches in height. Yet in the final moments of the last round the usually imposing figure of Joshua, who is 6ft 6in, had sagged against the ropes as Usyk came close to winning by stoppage.

A singular character, who is as intelligent as he is amusing, Usyk was nonchalant as he sat down to address his stunning rise in boxing’s premier division to become the new IBF, WBA and WBO world champion in only his third fight as a heavyweight. When someone asked him to break down his fight strategy, for this had been a dazzling display, he spoke in Ukrainian. His fellow countrymen and women laughed before the translator tried to inject some of that comedy into English.

“The plan was just to walk in, to see, to start. So we went in, we saw, we started and then in the 12th round they said speed up and so I did and then they said: ‘….and the new [heavyweight champion of the world].’ So that was the plan.”

Usyk continued in more serious vein. “I tried a few times [for the stoppage]. I put my speed into it. I punched him a couple of times but then I was losing rhythm. I went back to my …

Boxing / News

Anthony Joshua’s intimidating physique will soon be revealed – but is he built for speed or power?

Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua collides with undefeated Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO mandatory challenger, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Britain’s heavyweight star will have a final face-off with Oleksandr Usyk at today’s weigh-in before their world title fight on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office. But has Joshua packed on muscle or shed pounds for his crucial showdown with Usyk?…

Boxing / Sports

Anthony Joshua Wants To ‘Outskill’ Oleksandr Usyk – Says Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua wants to beat challenger Oleksandr Usyk with his technical skills rather than relying on his superior size when they meet in the headliner this month on September 25th at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, England.

Joshua’s technical skills must be up to par for his fight with Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs) because the Ukrainian fighter is too talented for AJ to run over like a truck using his size alone to win. It may prove to be difficult for Joshua to ‘out-skill’ Usyk the way that Hearn wants him to because he’s always been technically flawed.

We’ve seen in the past that Joshua struggle with cardio issues when he’s tried for knockouts. He got away with gassing out against Dillian Whyte, Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin.

In Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in their first fight in June 2019, he was exhausted after hurting the American. Ruiz Jr. took advantage of it and dropped him.

Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) is leaning down slightly, but not as much as some boxing fans think.

According to Hearn, Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) will weigh close to the same amount he did for his second fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019 and his last title defense against Kubrat Pulev in 2021.

Usyk Best-Skilled Fighter Joshua Has Faced

“Skill wise, he’s definitely the best fighter he’s faced,” said Eddie Hearn to about Usyk being the best technical fighter Joshua will have faced.

“I mean, he’s a pound-for-pound top five fighter. Powerwise in the division, he’s [Joshua] fought some big punchers. Dillian Whyte, Klitschko, Andy Ruiz as well and many others.

“[Kubrat] Pulev can punch as well. I don’t think Usyk carries the power of those guys, but he still carries power. It can be awkward this fight. It can be tricky.

“I don’t think Joshua buys into the ‘Too big, too strong.’ He doesn’t want to rely on his size in this fight. He wants to not only out-skill Usyk, but he wants to be able to compete with …

Boxing / Sports

Anthony Joshua vows not to be affected by absence of trainer Rob McCracken ahead of Oleksandr Usyk Clash

Anthony Joshua ahead of fight with Oleksandr Usyk: “He is changing his team because people have a wealth of knowledge. It’s been good having a wider team and working collectively.”

Joshua defends his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships against Usyk on September 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office, meaning McCracken will miss a portion of the training camp.

“Everyone brings something different to the table.

“Usyk will bring in Vasiliy Lomachenko’s dad. He works with Russ Anber. I have a list of different nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches that he will bring in for this fight. “He is changing his team because people have a wealth of knowledge. “It’s been good having a wider team and working collectively.…

Boxing / News

Joe Joyce has sights set on Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury ahead of fight with Carlos Takam

“I’ve got a big test in Carlos Takam so I won’t look too far ahead because this is a tough fight,” Joe Joyce said. “I need to beat Takam up to make a statement so I can go on to win a world title.”

Joyce has been confirmed as the next WBO mandatory challenger after Oleksandr Usyk, the current incumbent, challenges world champion Anthony Joshua on September 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Unbeaten Joyce would then receive a shot at the belt next year.

“I’ve got a big test in Takam so I won’t look too far ahead because this is a tough fight,” he said. “Takam gives it his all and he’s a hard fight. It might take a few rounds, it might take all the rounds, but I will get the job done then cruise on to a world title.”

Joyce displayed his height advantage over the compact veteran Takam during a steely face-off on Thursday.

Cameroon-born Takam has previously gone 10 rounds with Joshua and eight rounds with Derek Chisora.

Joyce’s manager Sam Jones teased he had covertly been sent footage of Takam sparring from within his camp.

“I had someone show me the footage,” Jones told Takam.

“I’ve watched all your spars, I know the game plan.”

Takam hit back: “Because you are scared.”

Takam replied Francis Ngannou, the UFC heavyweight champion, had tipped him off that Joyce is “not a technical boxer”.

Jones said: “Carlos will come forwards, he is a decent boxer, he is tough and strong. He goes in with the head.

“[Joyce] will more spiteful on Saturday.”

Takam, now 40 and a veteran of 45 fights, insisted: “I am the best Takam you have seen, the best ever.”

His promoter Joe De Guardia previously told Sky Sports: “While a knockout over a 6’6″ 260 lb giant like Joe Joyce may seem unlikely, Carlos has the strength, tools, experience and foundation to piece together a performance that can very well lead to a sensational KO.”…

Boxing / Sports

Anthony Joshua’s victory has been questioned by his Italian opponent Roberto Cammarelle

“Regardless of any move by Joshua, the crowd was cheering even if it was a miss, and I think it certainly influenced the final result”; Roberto Cammarelle reflects on defeat by Anthony Joshua in the London 2012 Olympic final

Roberto Cammarelle says he “can’t understand” how Anthony Joshua was awarded victory against him in the 2012 Olympic final and believes the crowd “influenced the judges”

Italy’s 2008 Olympic champion fought Joshua for the super-heavyweight gold medal at the London Games, suffering a defeat by countback after the scores were tied at 18-18 following their three-round bout.

But Cammarelle, who extended a 6-5 lead to 13-10 before the final round, has questioned how Joshua closed the deficit.

“As far as I can remember, I think I managed to fight exceptionally well during the two rounds,” Cammarelle told Sky Sports.

“The last round, he did not fight to overcome me. He was just sort of managing the fight. Having an equal number of points, an equal score, I can’t understand [how] I didn’t win.

“I thought I was managing the advantage I had managed to win over the first round.

“I’ve always had great physical issues. My physical preparation had only started a month before the Olympics. The fact that the semi-final was so close to the final certainly weakened my body.

 …

Boxing / Sports

Aussie ‘Tower of Terror’ could be one fight away from AJ title shot

Three-time Australian heavyweight champion Demsey McKean is reportedly being considered for a fight that would hand him a shot at British megastar Anthony Joshua. reports that ‘The Tower of Terror’ McKean is in talks to fight against Filip Hrgovic in an IBF final eliminator fight in August.

The winner would be given a guaranteed fight against IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua.

On Wednesday, McKean posted to his Instagram: “Next fight soon to be locked in”.

America’s Michael Hunter pulled out of talks to fight Hrgovic which has opened the door to the Queenslander, according to Sky Sports.

Fight promoter Kalle Sauerland told the publication: “We’re in discussions with a number of names

“The Australian is on the list. Obviously we look at the rankings. It’s very, very tough.

“We are in talks with a number of opponents. Not just Mr McKean, a number of opponents, so I have to keep my mouth a little bit schtum on this, but you’ll all be very happy when it’s solved.”

Sauerland said an opponent is “fully expected” to be locked in within the next seven days.

Southpaw McKean is ranked inside the WBO top 15 and is undefeated at 19-0 with 12 knockouts.

His promoter Angelo Di Carlo told Sky Sports last year that McKean, who has also had kickboxing and MMA fights, is “hungry” and a “good puncher”.

“Very tall, he’s 6’6”, a massive man. He’s had no amateur fights, but he moves better than the top amateurs,” Di Carlo said.…

Boxing / Sports

Anthony Joshua – Unfortunately Fury’s team let boxing world down’

Anthony Joshua has blamed Tyson Fury for the breakdown of their undisputed championship fight but believes it can resurrected for later this year because it is “bigger than boxing, bigger than the belts”.

A court arbitration in the US ruled that Fury must fight Deontay Wilder causing the collapse of the dream all-British match-up against Joshua. Anthony Joshua exclusive: “Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t determine the Tyson Fury fight. The Fury fight has to happen. It’s a big fight, bigger than boxing, bigger than the belts. It will happen. After the Usyk fight, after I defend my belts.

Fury and Wilder will clash on July 24 in Las Vegas in a third WBC heavyweight title fight and Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO gold against mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk in late-September at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.…

Boxing / Sports

Joshua may vacate his WBO title

Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn says Joshua may take the fight with Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), but he also may vacate the WBO belt if it doesn’t make “business sense” for them.

Hearn has a couple of other options that he’s looking at for Joshua’s next fight.

Presumably, those are bigger money fights than what Usyk brings to the table. Usyk isn’t someone who will attract a lot of excitement from the fans, as he’s not done anything at heavyweight to make a name for himself.

Hearn and Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) are still steaming about losing out on the Tyson Fury undisputed championship fight, and the last thing they want is for a sanctioning body to order them around.

“We negotiate all the time with people who sometimes aren’t entitled to a fight, and we got it again now,” said Eddie Hearn to Boxing Social. “The WBO straightaway sent a little in, ‘You’re now fighting him.’

“At some point, you want to turn around and say, ‘You know what? Why can’t we just breathe and do our own thing, but of course, he [Joshua] wants to be undisputed, and that’s why we’re considering our options.

“I think the most likely scenario is, we fight Oleksander Usyk. If the deal is right and everyone is sensible, yes, I think that fight happens.…

Boxing / Sports

Oleksandr Usyk’s team optimistic a fight with Anthony Joshua will be agreed soonest

The WBO ordered Joshua to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Usyk after the breakdown of his planned undisputed title fight with Tyson Fury. Joshua and Usyk were given until May 31 to negotiate terms before the fight will be decided via purse bids. But Joshua is also considering other opponents, his promoter Eddie Hearn has said.

 

Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles but his desired opponent Fury was told to defend his WBC belt against Deontay Wilder by a court of arbitration.

“We are in the middle of negotiations now and things look optimistic,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports about talks with Joshua’s representative Hearn.

“As long as I am informed there are no visible obstacles to the deal not to take place, hopefully, it will be completed within the rendered timing.”…

Sports

Joshua Close To Povetkin Deal

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is close to a deal to fight Alexander Povetkin – either before or after a bout with Deontay Wilder.
Joshua, 28, holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, with Povetkin in a mandatory challenger position for the WBA belt.
But talks continue for the Briton to face WBC title holder Deontay Wilder with all four titles on the line.
“We have to move because the WBA want to know what’s happening,” said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn says he is hoping for clarity on a Joshua-Wilder fight “this week” and the WBA would be likely to sanction the contest as long as Russian Povetkin, 38, was able to face the winner.
“We pretty much have a deal in place with Povetkin,” Hearn told Fighthype.com. “At the moment it looks like we are fighting him but that could change.
“At the moment the two options we have are we either sign for Wilder now to fight him next or we sign for Wilder now but fight him after Povetkin.
“So what fans need to know is they are getting the fight – it’s just a case of whether it’s September-October or December-February.”
No heavyweight has ever held all four recognised world titles, meaning any Joshua-Wilder bout would be a likely box office hit regardless of which side of the Atlantic Ocean it was staged.
Hearn feels the location of the bout is now one of the main stumbling blocks, with Joshua and his trainer Rob McCracken intent on fighting in the UK.
…